Nabakalebar Rath Yatra: Row over pulling of chariots after sunset

Puri: Even as we are approaching the conclusion of the mega Nabakalebar ritual, controversies continue to crop up. In a latest such instance, the pulling of chariots after the sunset has brought the chief servitor of Lord Jagannath and the Srimandir temple chief administrator at odds.

While the chief servitor of Lord Jagannath alleged that the pulling of chariots after the sunset is against the tradition. Moreover, he said that his opinion on the matter was also not sought as he was one of the the Badagrahis (idol protectors).

Meanwhile, Srimandir chief administrator Suresh Mohapatra said that no tradition has been broken and keeping in mind the Sunabesa ritual such a step was taken.